With the Cleveland Browns recently promoting Senior Offensive Assistant Bill Musgrave to the role of quarterbacks coach, there’s a growing buzz around potential quarterback moves that could shape the future of the franchise. Enter Derek Carr, whose availability in free agency could provide the Browns with a seasoned veteran presence in the quarterback room for the 2025 season. Let’s dive into the possible advantages and drawbacks of this potential addition and what it could mean for the Browns moving forward.
The Pros:
Derek Carr’s prospective release from the New Orleans Saints presents an intriguing opportunity for the Browns. Carr has demonstrated a proficiency in the offensive scheme Cleveland aims to perfect, particularly when it comes to leveraging the play-action pass. Last season, he registered a stellar 92.5 PFF grade on play-action passes coupled with an impressive 95.6 grade on deep throws beyond 20 yards. These stats indicate that Carr could seamlessly slot into the Browns’ offensive strategy, which emphasizes these very plays. Even if some commentators believe his peak years may be in the rearview mirror, the Browns wouldn’t necessarily require Carr to be more than an average league quarterback, given their robust offensive and defensive roster.
Adding to the allure is Carr’s historical success with Bill Musgrave during their tenure together in Oakland in 2015-2016. In those seasons, Carr threw for an average of nearly 4,000 yards and 30 touchdowns, numbers that would rank him comfortably among the top quarterbacks in today’s NFL landscape. A reunion with Musgrave, along with head coach Kevin Stefanski, could ignite a spark in Carr’s career, making this a partnership worth considering.
The Cons:
The acquisition of Derek Carr could come with significant financial and strategic implications. Should the Saints decide not to release him, Cleveland would need to negotiate a trade, which would likely entail parting with valuable draft assets and absorbing a hefty $130 million contract over the next five years. Managing this deal would require deft financial maneuvering, particularly since 2028 and 2029 are void years, giving the Browns room to restructure but also demanding careful planning to handle the eventual cap hit.
A plausible trade scenario could resemble the Carson Wentz deal from the Eagles to the Colts, with the Browns potentially offering a third-round pick in 2025 (Pick #94 from the Buffalo Bills) and a conditional third-round pick in 2026. The prospect of giving up draft capital for a 34-year-old quarterback poses a significant risk, especially if the Browns have an eye on developing a young quarterback prospect behind Carr.
Other Quarterback Considerations:
While Carr is an appealing candidate, the Browns are also rumored to be exploring other quarterback options, such as a trade for Malik Willis or Geno Smith. However, both options present their own sets of challenges and uncertainties.
Ultimately, Derek Carr could be a solid bridge quarterback for the Browns, offering stability while the team prepares a young quarterback for the future. His familiarity with Musgrave’s coaching style could ease the transition, making him a valuable asset as the Browns maneuver through the AFC North’s competitive landscape. Whether Cleveland’s leadership team, including Andrew Berry and Kevin Stefanski, is willing to invest the necessary resources remains to be seen, but Carr’s potential arrival could undeniably shape the team’s fortunes in the upcoming seasons.
